Black Moon (Alpha Pack #3)(52)

So he should have known the buzz wouldn't last.

After Mackenzie had dressed and headed to the infirmary, Kalen went back to his quarters for a change of clothes. He was contemplating asking his mate if they could move in together when his cell phone rang.

Nick's name popped up on the display and he grimaced. A call from the boss wasn't typically cause for celebration, and this one was no different.

"I've got a location on your parents," he said without preamble.

"Well, there's some fantastic news," Kalen replied with all the sarcasm he could muster. This conversation required coffee. Maybe he'd add a dash of whiskey to it, too. "I can hardly wait for the heartfelt reunion. Should I bring tissues?"

"Funny. Don't you want to know where they are?"

"Not particularly. But I guess you'll tell me anyways." Yep, coffee. Better leave out the booze, though. He reached for a mug and stuck it under his single-cup brewer, then hit the switch.

"Your childhood address is still listed in their names."

Kalen froze, watching the fragrant brew steam into the mug. "You're kidding."

"No. The weird thing is that my contact says nobody can recall seeing the Blacks for years. Nobody going in or out of the house, no visitors, nothing. But the house is well kept, flowers planted, grass mowed, newspapers and mail picked up regularly. Records show the bills have been paid on time, et cetera. For nine years. All seems good on the surface."

"Except not a soul has seen them in almost a decade." A cold finger trailed down Kalen's spine. He didn't need Nick to tell him that something wasn't right. "When do we leave?"

"You don't have to go," the commander said, his voice softening. "You know we'll tell you what we find."

"I trust you. It's just . . . As much as I'd love never to set foot in my hometown again, I've come to realize I've got to go back and get some closure." He hesitated. "For me, and for Mackenzie."

"You and Mac, huh?" Nick's smile came through in his voice.

"I doubt it's much of a secret."

"You're right, it's not. You've claimed her-the right way this time?"

"Yeah," he said, glad the man couldn't see his red face over the phone. Or shit, maybe he could. "She's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. I love her, Nick, and for some damned reason she loves me."

"I'm really happy for you, kid. And I agree closure is what you need. Can you be ready to leave in an hour?"

"I'm ready now."

"Eat some breakfast first, then be at the hangar in an hour. Aric is going to fly us there in the jet, and Ryon is going as extra backup. Those two are the least injured from yesterday."

"All right, see you then. And, Nick? Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Kalen sipped his coffee for a few minutes, then tossed the dregs down the drain. The idea of facing his parents again after so long made his gut churn, and he wasn't sure about putting anything in his stomach. But there was no telling when he'd be able to eat next, so he'd better do as he was told.

Only about half of the guys, including Aric and Ryon, were in the dining room, stuffing themselves on pancakes and bacon. The rest must have been sleeping off the beating they'd taken from the Sluagh. Kalen stabbed a couple of pancakes with his fork, grabbed three pieces of bacon, and dug in. He was hungrier than he'd thought and made quick work of it. After telling Aric and Ryon he'd see them at the plane and saying goodbye to the others, he hurried to the infirmary.

A tired-looking Noah pointed him in the right direction, and Kalen found his doc coming from Zan's room. "How is he?"

"Improving," Mackenzie said with relief. "His vision is clear now and his hearing is almost back to normal."

"That's great news." He gave her a quick kiss-not nearly the hot, passionate one he'd rather lay on her. But it would have to do. "Will he be out of here soon?"

"By tomorrow, I'd say. So what are you up to?"

He released a pent-up sigh. "Going to see my parents. Nick wants to check out any connection they may have to Malik, considering his claims, and a couple of the guys are going along as backup."

"You mean his claims that he knew your family and that you're Fae." She gazed at him in worry.

"Exactly. I'm not sure my folks are going to be real cooperative, or if they'll even speak to us."

"Good luck, honey," she said, pulling him into a hug and squeezing him tightly. "I know how important it is to you to get answers."

"I just hope I can handle them once I have them."

"I wish I could go with you." Her pretty blue eyes were cloudy with concern. "But I have to take this shift with Zan. Noah is exhausted and needs to get some sleep."

"Don't worry about me, baby. I'll have Nick, Aric, and Ryon with me. I'll be fine. I promise."

She bit her lip. "Okay, but call me and let me know how it went. I won't be able to concentrate on much until you do."

"I will. See you this afternoon."

One hug and several long kisses later, he was on his way to the hangar. Christ only knew what they'd find in his hometown.